Painting 5.7 hemi aluminum heads

[Dodgenut64]

Hey guys, i picked up a 5.7 hemi pulled from a 04 truck. Im considering painting it, but was wondering if id have trouble with painting the aluminum heads, valvecovers and front coverplate. Whats the best way to paint aluminum items, do i need to primer them in black (which is the same color of the motor now) and them paint them together with the bloack? Is there a paint that works better on aluminum?
Thanks

 

[1969340dart]

Just clean it good and spray it.Aluminum covers pretty easy,just use VHT engine paint because if not you will have the paint flaking loose because of the heat.I have painted a lot of aluminum surfaces and never had a problem.Just make sure it is good and clean.

Bobby

 

[Dodgenut64]

Thanks alot. My idea is to eventually get an intake with the throttle body on top and get a old factory air cleaner and try to have the 5.7 look like it was made back in the 60s, with red intake, valve covers, heads, engine block, and oil pan. With those red, id then paint the air cleaner black. i know orange is eveyones favorite color for the new and old hemi, but im kinda shooting for a factory red like a 273.

 

[Dusterb318]

Prep, prep and more prep. It's all about the prep. Make sure it's clean and grease free. I also scrub aluminum down lightly with some scotchbrite and then clean it with a degreaser and hot water then dry it. Make sure it free of dirt and oil and spray away.

 

[gocirino]

Epoxy prime it first.

I have done several of these with PPG DP series primer with excellent results.